November 27, 2013 — Since Typhoon Haiyan landed in the Philippines on Nov. 8, the Jesuit-run SLB, a social justice organization in the country, has provided relief to thousands of victims. As of Nov. 23, the SLB had delivered 13,656 relief packs, over 3,500 boxes of water and 1,000 bags of clothing to those in need.

A recent SLB report notes that the Philippines government is now transitioning into full rehabilitation mode. In turn, the SLB has begun work on an initial rehabilitation plan that is focused on Culion, a Jesuit mission island and the last area hit by the super typhoon that had six major landfalls in the country.

According to the report, local contacts in Culion say there are about 3,750 families (15,518 individuals) affected; 2,000 partially-damaged houses; and over 1,000 houses that were completely destroyed.

Jesuit Father Jodey Magtoto, a parish priest in Culion, has been gathering data on the community’s needs, which he then shares with the SLB. SLB rehabilitation efforts are scheduled to begin in 2014, with an estimated three-year timeline.

The SLB plans to partner with two organizations that will work on rebuilding the homes that were destroyed. There are also plans to help repair damaged boats, which are crucial for fishing communities, and Loyola College of Culion is exploring scholarship assistance for typhoon victims.

Additional areas where the SLB may focus efforts include renewable energy, such as installing solar panels in key areas on the island, and psycho-social intervention for victims in conjunction with Jesuit-run Ateneo de Manila University’s Psychology Department. [Source: SLB]

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